Maltese beaches rank as the second best bathing spots in Europe, trumping popular holiday destinations Italy, Spain and Greece.
The 87 coastal bathing spots monitored across Malta and Gozo scored a 97 per cent approval rating, according to an annual report of European bathing sites that saw Cyprus secure the top place.
The study was compiled by the European Environment Agency, which monitored more than 22,000 beaches, rivers and lakes across Europe. Malta placed third last year.
The report said “significant management measures had been implemented by the Maltese authorities”, highlighting investment in waste treatment facilities as key to the “exceptional” water quality of Maltese beaches.
“All official bathing areas are clearly identified by signs indicating the monitored locations.
“Sampling results are posted at several sites and causes of pollution are routinely inspected,” the report said.
Recession-stricken Cyprus headed the list while Britain registered the highest number of bathing sites that failed to meet EU standards. Croatia, which will join the EU in July, also had a strong showing offering “some of Europe’s cleanest waters”.
A total 94 per cent of EU bathing spots now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive which sets strict targets for water quality of European bathing destinations.
European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said: “I am pleased to note that the quality of Europe’s bathing waters generally remains high, and has improved since last year.
“It is clear that citizens are concerned about the state of bathing spots and governments should continue to improve on these standards.”
Bathers can find out how their favourite swimming spots fared by visiting the Water Information System for Europe website at http://water.europa.eu .
The site features a new Google Maps attachment, which lists all the sites covered in the report and allows users to report any contraventions.
Health risk information is posted at affected sites but the report encouraged bathers to report the state of their local water.